​Former Gloucester Rugby, Wales & British & Irish Lions back, James Hook. will return to Kingsholm at for this week's European Rugby Challenge Cup clash, under the lights against Welsh side, Scarlets.

The fan-favourite fly-half will be participating in an exclusive Q&A in the Captain's Lounge with his former teammate, Mark 'Aki' Atkinson, before the big fixture on Friday 10 January.

Hook made 78 appearances for the Cherry & Whites between 2014 and 2017. He also represented Ospreys in Wales and Perpignan in France. A versatile player, he won 81 caps for Wales and toured South Africa with the British & Irish Lions in 2009.

Book your place in the iconic Captain's Lounge now for a pre-match meal and complimentary bar until kick-off, in addition to hearing from the former Cherry & White.

Places are limited, click here to book your spot now.

Gloucester Rugby host Edinburgh Rugby at Kingsholm in the first game of the Club's European Rugby Challenge cup campaign on Friday 6th December.

After falling at the final hurdle last season, the Cherry & Whites are looking to go one better this year and win the Challenge Cup trophy, which would be third European title for the Club.

Drawn in Pool 3 for the 2024/25 European Rugby Challenge Cup, alongside French sides, Vannes & Bayonne, United Rugby Championship teams, Scarlets & Edinburgh Rugby and Invitational club, Black Lion from Georgia. The top four sides will qualify for the knock-out stages of the competition, along with four teams who drop down from the Investec Champions Cup.

The Cherry & Whites have named a strong matchday squad to take on the Scottish side under the lights.

After a Player of the Match performance in last weekend's win over English champions, Northampton Saints, Santi Carreras retains his sport at full back, with Christian Wade on the right wing. On the opposite side of the field, Josh Hathaway comes into the squad for Ollie Thorley, who misses out with an injury sustained at Franklin's Gardens.

Charis Harrias comes into the midfield alongside Max Llewellyn, with the Welshman switching from 13 to 12. The half-back pairing of Gareth Anscombe and Caolan Englefield remains unchanged.

Up front, Seb Blake and Kirill Gotovtsev join Val Rapava-Ruskin in the front row, with Matias Alemanno coming into the second row alongside Arthur Clark. Alemanno's inclusion means Freddie Thomas shifts to the back row, where he combines with Ruan Ackermann and skipper, Lewis Ludlow.

On the bench, there's a potential debut for new signing Will Butler, he covers the backs alongside Charlie Chapman and George Barton, with the latter making a return form injury.

In reserve for the forwards are Jack Singleton, Ciaran Knight, Afo Fasogbon, Harry Taylor and Albert Tuisue.​

Starting XV

1. Val Rapava-Ruskin
2. Seb Blake
3. Kirill Gotovtsev
4. Arthur Clark
5. Matias Alemanno
6. Freddie Thomas
7. Lewis Ludlow (c)
8. Ruan Ackermann
9. Caolan Englefield
10. Gareth Anscombe
11. Josh Hathaway
12. Max Llewellyn
13. Chris Harris
14. Christian Wade
15. Santi Carreras

Replacements

16. Jack Singleton
17. Ciaran Knight
18. Afo Fasogbon
19. Harry Taylor
20. Albert Tuisue
21. Charlie Chapman
22. Will Butler
23. George Barton

Next weekend, a new challenge awaits as Gloucester head to northwest France to take on newly promoted side RC Vannes. The French side defeated Grenoble to take their place in the Top 14 for the first time ever. Gloucester’s trip to Stade de la Rabine will take place on Saturday 14 December, 6:30pm kick-off.

For all tickets, hospitality and further info, visit www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk

The festive period is fast approaching and it's the time of year when family and friends get together to celebrate.

For many of us non Grinches and according to Andy Williams, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and we thought we would give you a helping hand on where to enjoy the festivities in the Cotswolds.

From awesome sport to cinema, here are our top 10 festive things that you can explore throughout December, Christmas and the New Year.

FRIDAY 13TH - SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER

Commence your Christmas celebrations at Cheltenham Racecourse over a weekend of top-quality racing on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 December.

​With the festive season about to enter the home straight, The Christmas Meeting brings joy and excitement for all, this two-day meeting is a highlight of  the Christmas racing calendar and kick starts the festive sporting season.

Under 18s race free!

INFORMATION & TICKETS

NOVEMBER 15TH 2024 - JANUARY 1ST 2025

Discover a festive atmosphere like no other at Blenheim Palace. The historic Palace and Gardens come alive with thousands of twinkling lights, seasonal scents, sparkling baubles and the warmth of the festive season. 

You can also find light trails at Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park, Sudeley Castle and Westonbirt Arboretum.

www.blenheimpalace.com

FRIDAY 20TH DECEMBER

The Cherry & Whites welcome Harlequins to Kingsholm on Friday 20th December, making it the perfect fixture for families and friends to start their Christmas festivities.

www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk

25 NOVEMBER 2024 - 04 JANUARY 2025 - THE BARN THEATRE, CIRENCESTER

The perfect swash-buckling Festive five-star musical adventure for all the family with set and costume design by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

Get ready for a hilarious, high-energy retelling of this classic tale, packed with daring duels, quick wit, and plenty of surprises, and brings D'Artagnan more than he could possibly have imagined, or even dared to dream.

barntheatre.org.uk

20TH NOVEMBER - 21ST DECEMBER 2024

Treat yourselves to a wonderful, relaxing two-or three-course lunch with family, friends, or colleagues in the beautiful surroundings of the Orchard Room Restaurant at the home of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
www.highgrovegardens.com

FRIDAY 20TH & MONDAY 23RD DECEMBER

Get into the festive spirit with an adults-only screening of the Christmas classic (and best Christmas film in our humble opinion!), Elf! Your ticket includes an elf-themed cocktail and sweet treats. 

thelivingroomcinemachippy.co.uk

THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY EVENINGS THROUGHOUT DECEMBER - EVENLODE, NR STOW ON THE WOLD

Join Circus Chef Ols and his partner Amber as they bring their passion for wildly delicious food to a remote Cotswold location this December.

This is magically unique evening just for couples and small groups, perfect for a romantic getaway or a festive reunion with friends. Each course will be a delightful surprise, unveiled with a flourish and a story.

josserrestaurant.com

No village or town in the Cotswolds does Christmas quite like Broadway.

Visit after dark to soak up all the festive feels and grab a bite to eat or drink at one of the pubs, restaurants or coffee shops.

THURSDAY 26TH DECEMBER

Continue the festivities at The Bull in Charlbury for their Boxing Day Spit Roast, mulled wine and live music from 4pm.

thebullcharlbury.com

WEDNESDAY 1ST JANUARY 2025

The best way to see in the New Year and shake off any cobwebs from the night before is with some awesome racing at Cheltenham.

Always a good card, this is the perfect day out with friends and there's lots of fun to be had in the Family Fun Zone, and once again, under 18s race free.

BUY TICKETS

With the season in full swing and the Autumn Internationals pretty much done and dusted, the attention turns back to club action and two big Friday night fixtures under the lights at Kingsholm.

For round one of the European Challenge Cup, Gloucester Rugby face Edinburgh on Friday 6th December.

Last season, the Cherry & Whites reached the Final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and this year, they’re determined to go one step further and bring the trophy home.

Edinburgh bring a formidable attacking game, promising an exciting and competitive clash under the lights at Kingsholm. The last time the two teams met in this competition, it was an unforgettable away fixture, with incredible support from the Cherry & White faithful.

Now, it's time to make Kingsholm roar as we kick off another thrilling European campaign!

This is followed by an away trip to Vannes in Round 2 of the European Cup, before the Cherry & Whites welcome Harlequins to Kingsholm on Friday 20th December, making it the perfect fixture for families and friends to start their Christmas festivities.

The game will undoubtedly be a sell out, with all hospitality boxes already sold. 

There are very limited spaces remaining in the Captain’s Lounge restaurant for anyone looking to elevate their matchday experience.

For all tickets and hospitality, visit www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk.

​Tickets to Gloucester's European Rugby Challenge Cup opener against Edinburgh Rugby on Friday 6th December at Kingsholm are now on general sale.

After falling at the final hurdle last season, Gloucester are looking to go one step further and claim a third Challenge Cup trophy this season.

First up, the Cherry & Whites come up against Scottish side, Edinburgh, who Gloucester defeated in the final last time they won this competition in 2015.

​The Edingburgh side will be loaded with some of the biggest names in the game, including Duhan van der Merwe and Emiliano Boffelli, and will be looking to get off to a winning start in front of a packed Kingsholm under the lights with the fans in full voice

Elevate your experience with some wonderful hospitality

A Friday night under the lights at Kingsholm is something every rugby fan should experience.

Choose from one-course or three-course dining options, or perhaps enjoy the exclusivity of a private box with family, friends or work colleagues, all tailored to meet all your needs.

​Explore the full range of hospitality packages here and upgrade to hospitality here.

For all fixtures, ticket information and hospitality, please visit www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk

With short days and long nights, winter can feel very long for many of us. 

However, there is lots to enjoy and we think that we have found some of the best things to do (in our humble opinion) in and around the Cotswolds to help get through the next few months, from great sport, music, films and, of course, food, booze and pubs!

Cheltenham (arguably) is the best National Hunt racecourse in the country. It has regular racedays pretty much every month up until May.

Enjoy the smaller meetings in October, December and January or dive into the buzz and excitement of the bigger days in November, New Year's Day (the best way to shake off a hangover!) and, of course, the Cheltenham Festival in March where the atmosphere is electric. 

BUY TICKETS

The Sub Rooms in Stroud and Cheltenham Town Hall are a hotbed of live music and comedy here in the Cotswolds.

Altered Images, Nick Heyward, The Bay City Rollers (yes, you read that correctly!) and John Power (Cast) can all be found playing in Stroud over the next few months.

For laughs, you will find Russell Kane, Jimmy Carr, Jimeoin, Dara O'Brien and Rob Beckett gracing the stage at Cheltenham Town Hall.

thesubrooms.co.uk
​
cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

All local rugby fans have probably experienced the atmosphere in The Shed at Kingsholm, but have you ever explored the hospitality options to elevate your day even more?

Perfect for birthdays, festive parties, corporate gatherings and rugby-loving stag and hen days, there is a wide range to choose from that suits all budgets, from boxes with spectacular views of the pitch, to the Captain’s Lounge and 1873 Bistro which offer fantastic dining and great match-day entertainment.

www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk

Winter is the perfect time for settling into a comfy sofa and watching a film. We are big fans of The Living Room in Chipping Norton where you can do just that, as well as enjoying a cocktail or a glass of wine or two at the same time.

With huge films including Gladiator II, Paddington, Blitz and Small Things Like These as well as their hugely popular Boozy Elf and Cheese, Wine and Love Actually Christmas specials, the cinema is a great place to spend a dark, chilly winter evening,

thelivingroomcinemachippy.co.uk

If you're looking for an uber-social sport to play in the winter, go a try padel. It's something we really bang the drum for as it's great fun and good fitness too.

Padel Shift at Bamford are in the process of building a roof on one of their courts and there are two new indoor courts at Far Peak near Northleach.

www.padelshift.com

www.cotswoldpadel.club

If this isn't your first visit to our site, you will know that we are huge supporters of the wonderful pubs that the Cotswolds has to offer.

Experiencing the Cotswolds on foot is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful countryside, and walking could have had its own section. 

However, what could be better than doing a circular walk from a pub and returning to enjoy a pint next a roaring log fire a with family, friends and dogs (most pubs are dog friendly now) and tucking into some incredible food from some top chefs.

Our Top 50 Pubs in the Cotswolds guide will help you discover some of the of the best ones, but if you need more info/help at all, drop us a note on our Instagram page and we will point you in the right direction.

The Everyman in Cheltenham is an architectural masterpiece and boasts some wonderful stage shows, music and comedy.

This winter, you can enjoy Chicago, Al Murray, Jack Dee, The Girl On The Train, Six and, of course, their legendary panto starring Tweedy the Clown.

www.everymantheatre.org.uk

​If you're in the Cirencester area, check out The Barn Theatre which has Room 13 and The Three Musketeers on their stage.

barntheatre.org.uk

There are quite a few Christmas Light Trails to enjoy in the Cotswolds to get you into the festival spirit.

Spectacle of Lights at Sudeley Castle, Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park and, probably the most spectacular, Blenheim Palace.

www.blenheimpalace.com

If you love your spirits, you will love a tour or masterclass at the Cotswolds Distillery.

A tour consists of a look around the distillery where you will see the process in action, before heading back to sample lots of their beautiful spirits and liqueurs.

If you want to experience something extra, why not book yourselves on a whisky or gin masterclass where you get to blend you very own drinks.

www.cotswoldsdistillery.com

The Manor House Golf Club in Castle Combe is one of the most stunning golf courses in the country. 

On top of that, the golf club is part of The Manor House estate, a luxury country house hotel with Michelin star dining, also home to The Castle Inn, a 12th century pub offering rooms and great food in the heart of of of the most beautiful villages in the UK.

www.exclusive.co.uk/the-manor-house-golf-club

Returning to Cheltenham Racecourse on March 23 2024, the gala dinner offers a night of fine dining and entertainment, with plenty of opportunities to raise money for the 4Ed campaign, established in July 2022 by Gloucester Rugby as a way of generating awareness and funds following Ed Slater’s diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The 2023 event saw over £250,000 raised for the campaign through ticket sales, silent and live auctions, and a raffle. The money generated contributed significantly towards adaptations to Ed’s home as well as creating precious memories for him, his wife, Jo, and their three young children.

​With 4Ed now adopted by the Gloucester Rugby Charitable Foundation as a restricted fund, all money raised from next year’s dinner will be used to provide bursaries for families affected by MND in Gloucestershire to access support, including funding vital equipment, changes to the home, family days out, or psychological provision.

For all information, visit www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk

As part of its 150-year celebrations, Gloucester Rugby revealed their Hall of Fame inductees to supporters at half-time of the Barbarians game, which the Cherry and Whites won 35-15.

The nominees were chosen by a panel comprised of Club President, Fred Reed, Ron Etheridge, Bob Timms and supporter Ross Parry, with four players for each position being nominated for the public vote.

The public vote began on 21 August and closed before the first fixture of the season at home to Nottingham Rugby on Saturday 9 September.

Olly Morgan (2005-2012, 131 apps)
In 2008/09, his 7 Premiership tries made him joint top Premiership scorer at the club. His outstanding performances for Gloucester meant that he was named Young Player of the Season for the 2008/09 season and he was also runner up for the Player of the Season award. He was also named in the Sky Sports Dream Team for the season.

James Simpson-Daniel (2000-2013, 272 apps)
Club’s top try scorer in five different seasons. 21 Heineken Cup tries in 41 games. Club’s top try scorer with 119.

Mike Tindall (2005-2014, 179 apps)
Over 100 apps for both Gloucester Rugby and rivals Bath Rugby. Scored first Gloucester try in Challenge Cup crushing of Toulon in December 2005.

Billy Twelvetrees (2012-2023, 273 apps)
Left Gloucester Rugby last season after 11 years at the Club. Captained the Club to their last silverware in 2015.

Charlie Sharples (2008-2021, 273 apps)
Scored four tries in the 2011 LV Cup semi-final and one in the final to help Gloucester Rugby lift the cup. Scored 91 tries for the Cherry & Whites.

Ludovic Mercier (2001-2003 & 2005-2007, 105 apps)
Record breaking 508 points in his debut season including 23 points in Zurich Championship final against Bristol.

Andy Gomarsall (2000-2005, 130 apps)
Member of Zurich Championship and Powergen Cup winning side in 2002 & 2003 respectively and Rugby World Cup 2003 winner.

Nick Wood (2003-2016, 277 apps)
Most Gloucester Rugby appearances in professional era.

Oliver Azam (2000-2003 & 2004-2011, 240 apps)
Voted supporters’ Player of the Year in 2008/09

Phil Vickery (1996-2006, 155 apps)
Joint-first Gloucester Rugby player to play in two Rugby World Cups, winning his second in 2003 with England.

Alex Brown (2003-2012, 233 apps)
Former England international, LV Cup winner and current Chief Executive Officer of the Club.

Dave Sims (1988-1999, 256 apps)
Gloucester Rugby’s first professional player when he signed a two-year contract in May 1996.

Jake Boer (2000-2007 & 2009-2010, 190 apps)
Premiership Player of the Season and Overseas Player of the Season in 2002/03.

Andy Hazell (1997-2013, 263 apps)
Hazell played a remarkable 17 years at Gloucester Rugby as well as representing England 7 times and the Barbarians.

James Forrester (2001-2007, 136 apps)
Scored and set up a try in Gloucester’s Powergen Cup 2003 victory.